SPRINGFIELD — The trial of a Decatur man accused of plotting to blow up the federal courthouse is likely to be postponed until he undergoes psychological testing.

U.S. District Judge David Herndon approved a motion to determine the mental competency of Michael Finton, who had been scheduled to go to trial Dec. 7 in connection with the alleged bombing attempt on Sept. 23.

Finton, 29, a part-time fry cook also known as “Talib Islam,” is accused of attempted murder of a federal officer or employee and attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction.

A two-count grand jury indictment alleges he parked a van he believed contained about a ton of explosives in front of the Paul Findley Federal Building and Courthouse in downtown Springfield, intending that the bomb would destroy the building and kill its occupants.

Finton, who had converted to Islam while serving time in prison, didn’t know the FBI had been tracking him for two years. The FBI said no one was in danger because the explosives were fake.

Finton is being held in federal custody. The examinations will be made at a federal prison facility and could take 30 days or longer.

If convicted, Finton faces a maximum penalty of life in prison for attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction against property owned by the United States. The penalty for attempting to murder a federal officer or employee is up to 20 years in prison.